The price of a Gold membership at Princes Golf Club is a lot higher than you think. It is not only the cost of a yearly premium, but also the cost of an entire golf kit you will need to buy before you can play a round of golf.
Let’s examine how much money you will need to spend to become a member of this exclusive golf club, where celebrity is a way of life.
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The Grand Tour
If you have always aspired to be a member of the famous Gold Club, then your dreams have come true. For the price of a single round of golf, you can become a member of this prestigious club.
The annual fee is £245. This covers food and drink at the cafe, use of the driving range, locker rooms and pool facilities. It also includes the cost of two balls and a bag. You will need to purchase your own range shoes, as well as any additional equipment needed for the course (like a flashlight).
So if you spend just one round a week on average, it will cost you £86.20 per week to play. This is a lot of money, but if you consider that golf is not just a game but also a way of life, it is not hard to justify the cost.
Golf Equipment
The annual sub-scription for equipment alone is £239 at Princes Golf Club. You will need to purchase a £20 panda club bag to store all your golf equipment in. This bag can be checked in online as you make your way around the course, meaning there is less room for other items in your luggage. The equipment you will need includes:
- Goggles or Sunglasses
- Gloves
- Bag
- Club
- Putter
- Ball
- Towel
- Shades
- Waterproof Jacket
- Fanny Pack
- Headphones
You will also need to purchase a set of range shoes. These are more expensive than your average pair of shoes ($150) and are created with more quality materials. Your golf shoes will be worth every penny in the end.
Accommodation
Staying overnight at a hotel is usually necessary when you are traveling for work, however, when you are on holiday, you will not need to stay in a hotel. There are plenty of luxurious places nearby that you can stay in, whether it’s a self-catering apartment, or even a house-share. You will have your own toiletries, and you will be able to cook your own meals. Hotels are expensive, especially during the high season, but if you are looking for a way to save money, then this is the perfect alternative.
Carte De Plaisir
Carte de Plaisir is a type of French card that provides access to exclusive amenities at different golf courses around the world. At the end of your stay, you will need to hand in your card at the front desk to receive your key.
If you stay at a 5-star hotel, you can usually find some form of accepted payment (in cash or card) to cover the cost of your stay. If you do not have a 5-star hotel, then you can ask the staff for help in making a payment. The most popular version of this card is the PGA Grand Slam Tour. You can get this for free from PGA.com, simply check the box at the bottom of the homepage for ‘how to play,’ and follow the on-screen instructions to receive your code. Once you have entered this code into the ‘Carte De Plaisir’ space on the PGA website, you can then access all the exclusive deals and courses that this card can get you into – it really is that simple.
Day Ticket
If you are a local, you can get a day ticket for the course you are visiting. This will give you access to the course before anyone else. Day tickets are easy to get and are usually available at the information desk on the day of play. Some of the courses where you can buy a day ticket are:
- Belleforest Golf Club
- Le Golf de Monsieur Bocquelet
- Les Délices du Merisier
- La Florentine
- Tullow Golf Club
- Le Golf de Gopichand
- Le Royal Monceau
- Le Champenoise
- Le Golf du Bradington
After you buy your day ticket, you can use the range to practice for the upcoming round. This is especially beneficial if you are a visitor to the country, as you will not know the exact rules of golf in your native language. Learning how to practice in a different language can help you become more confident on the course. If you do not speak French, then you can ask the people around you to help you out. You will not get fined for asking for help, as long as you are not hindering play, so do not be afraid to approach strangers!
Rental Equipment
If you are lacking in confidence due to language barriers, then renting some equipment from the pro shop could be a good idea. For a small fee, they will provide you with a golf cart, where you can practice your swing with privacy. This is also a good option if you are carrying a lot of equipment with you, like a golf bag, clubs and accessories. Practice makes perfect, and there is no better place for golfers to practice than the golf course. If you do not have the funds to purchase all the necessary equipment, then this is the next best thing.
Clubs
Having clubs is essential for any golfer. Without them, you cannot hit the ball. Professional golfers usually own multiple sets of clubs in different shapes and sizes. These are expensive items to buy and maintain, so renting them from the club is a popular option for non-professionals. Renting clubs allows you to try out different types and makes it easier to find the right set for you.
If you decide to purchase clubs, then it is advisable to buy good quality clubs. These are much more expensive than normal clubs, but they will last a lifetime and will improve your game significantly. Good quality clubs will feel light in your hand and the sound they make when you hit a ball is incredible. When it comes to deciding what type of clubs to purchase, first consider what type of golf course you are playing on, Then move onto the length of your golf game, and finally, consider how much you want to spend.
If you are looking for a quick-fix solution, then you can try out a driverless golf cart. These are automatic golf carts that travel around the course gathering up golfers’ bags and taking them to the parking lot at the end of the round. They are also called ‘bagger carts’ for the person carrying the bag. If you decide to rent one of these, make sure to ask the pro shop for the card key, as the machine will not allow you to operate it manually on the course. You will also need to decide whether you want to use a white or yellow ball, as well as whether you want to use an open parking lot or an enclosed one. There are many other aspects to consider when renting a driverless golf cart. For more information, contact the pro shop directly at tel: +44 (0)1973 667 300 – they will be able to provide you with all the information you need.